WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today announced that his long-time chief of staff, Michelle Barlow Richardson, will leave government service to accept a new opportunity in the private sector. Richardson first joined Wicker’s staff in 1997 as a Legislative Correspondent and then Executive Assistant. After a two-year stint with the Mississippi State University Foundation, she returned to Team Wicker in 2001. She was promoted to Chief of Staff in 2006. 

“I have been blessed for more than two decades by having Michelle Barlow Richardson in my corner fighting for Mississippi,” Senator Wicker said. “Her leadership, attention to detail, and ability to solve problems have been indispensable in the success of our team and allowed us to achieve legislative wins that benefited all Americans. Beyond her many accomplishments, Michelle is best known to me and her colleagues for strong friendship and deep devotion. Gayle and I will miss her daily presence in the office. It is with deep gratitude and affection that we wish her the best of luck in the next phase of her career.”

Senator Wicker’s Legislative Director since 2022, Beth Spivey, will be promoted to Chief of Staff. Spivey is a native of Brandon and a graduate of the University of Mississippi. She has worked in the private sector and government including as an aide to Former U.S. Senator Trent Lott, R-Miss., and as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for Legislative Affairs during the first Donald J. Trump Administration.

“I am honored to promote another intelligent, experienced, and proven Mississippian to lead my team,” said Senator Wicker. “Beth Spivey has a proven record of success navigating the federal government combined with a deep knowledge and love of her home state. As we embark on a robust policy agenda in the next Congress, Beth is the leader our team needs to achieve legislative victories for Mississippi and the nation.”